Matthews makes C-stands in five base styles. Same riser, same grip head, same 22 lb rating; the base is what tunes the stand to the way you work. Sliding leg for uneven ground, spring-loaded for speed, turtle base for travel and low work, Hollywood Pro for heavier rigs, and the 5" Pocket for tabletop.
A. Sliding leg: the classic
One leg slides up the column so the stand can sit on a stair, a curb, a slope, or tight against a set wall. This is the configuration most sets order and the one to buy if you only buy one. Matthews 40" sliding leg: 127" max height, 53.25" minimum, 22 lb capacity, 27.5" footprint, 16 lb, folded 21".
B. Spring-loaded folding legs: fastest in and out
Legs snap open and shut under spring tension. Nothing to unscrew, nothing to forget. Built for fast setups and faster wrap-outs; a favorite of location crews and rental houses because the legs cannot be left half-locked. The 40" double-riser spring-loaded stand: 126" max height, 22 lb capacity, 11 lb.
C. Turtle base (C+Stand): travel and low mode
The column lifts straight off the base. Pack the columns in one case and the bases in another, or use the base alone as a low-boy to hold a light or flag a few inches off the floor. The 40" C+Stand with spring-loaded turtle base is Matthews' best seller: 118" max height, 22 lb capacity, 27.5" footprint, 16 lb.
D. Hollywood Pro: heavy rigs
A wider, flatter, low-profile footprint that resists tipping when the arm is fully extended with a heavy frame on it. The base sits closer to the floor, so it tucks under furniture and set pieces. The 40" Hollywood Pro: 126.5" max height, 22 lb capacity, 27.5" footprint, 16 lb.
E. 5" Pocket C-stand: tabletop and detail
A palm-size, fully working C-stand for product photography, stop motion, tabletop and small-fixture rigging. 6" to 18" height range with the arm, 1/4"-20 adapter for cameras and phone mounts. It is also the most-gifted item Matthews makes.
Riser height: 20" or 40"
A 40" stand reaches roughly 10 ft 7 in and covers almost every job. A 20" stand tops out around 67" and is for low modifiers, tabletop, tight interiors, and travel. Double-riser 20" stands split the difference with two short sections.
Chrome or black
Chrome is the traditional finish and is easier to see on a dark stage. Black disappears on camera, in reflections, and in black-box studios, and is the usual choice for content creators and photo studios.
Quick pick
- First C-stand: 40" sliding leg or turtle base, grip head and arm included.
- Location or rental fleet: spring-loaded folding.
- Travel by case: turtle base.
- Heavy frames, long arms: Hollywood Pro.
- Product and tabletop: 5" Pocket.
Frequently asked questions
Are Matthews C-stand parts interchangeable?
Yes. Risers, bases, grip heads and arms are sold separately and fit across the line, so a stand can be repaired or reconfigured for life.
What is a turtle base?
A removable base that the column lifts out of. It packs flat and doubles as a low stand on its own.
Does the base change the load rating?
No. Every standard Matthews C-stand is rated for 22 lb. The base changes stability, footprint and speed, not capacity.
